Which statement about evidence collection is FALSE?

The statement that evidence can be collected without proper labeling is false. Proper labeling of evidence is a critical step in the evidence collection process because it ensures that the evidence is identified, preserved, and admissible in court. Each piece of evidence must include pertinent information such as the case number, a brief description of the item, the date and time of collection, and the collector's name. Failure to label evidence can lead to issues regarding its authenticity, chain of custody, and overall integrity. Proper labeling helps maintain a clear chain of custody, which is essential in legal proceedings to prove that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered.

In contrast, securing evidence once it is collected is crucial for protecting it from contamination or loss. Photographs and sketches should always be made before, during, and after evidence collection to provide a visual context of the scene and to document the evidence in its original position. Finally, the act of collecting evidence can indeed affect its value; for example, improper handling can compromise the evidence's integrity, making it less useful or even inadmissible in court.